Papers relating to the service of Stewart Murray Hansen, 1915 - 1917 - Part 19

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Safely housed on board we
proceeded to breakfast. Such
a breakfast as has not been
seen by soldiers since last we
were in town.
No one was down-hearted nor
were any tears shed as we steamed
away from Alexandria the next
morning. Egypt was left far
behind and the desert with
accompanying monotony and
unpleasantness was "no more".
The days on board have been
one continual rest - recouperating -.
Several guns and cleverly  
manoeuvering have kept us clear
of the "tin fish" although one was
sighted. Still another day to go
however.
Alarms alone interrupt our rest
then the several thousands aboard
double to stations, there to await
orders. Generally "Dismiss", but
one never knows. 

6
Mails will be delayed this end
for some time owing to the ''move"
Iremain
yours
Stewart 

5
Yesterday we were all somewhat
depressed as the first message of
the big naval fight near Denmark.
reached us by wireless and only
stated our own losses. Today
fuller reports have come to hand
and caused the depression: to
lift. The gloom has lifted and
joy reigns supreme.
News from France is eagerly
devoured as Germany is having
a go at the British Front. Things
are moving over there.
Band performances enliven
us during the day but as lights
are out during the dark hours.

Flanders
24-9-16
Dear All,
The military aspect of our new position
is "quiet". And well it might be after our recent
experiences in the Somme. Work is very brisk
day and night as the Australians are noted
for making themselves comfortable however
hard is the work towards that end.
The weather this week has been lovely although a
good deal of mud still covers the ground since
recent heavy rains.
Trees and grass are still green and full of
leaves as yet untouched by the hand of
Autumn. It will appear strange to us when
the grass dies and the leaves fall.
We are much better off this year than we
were the corresponding period last year.
Houses - long since evacuated - dilapidated but
nevertheless still able to be called "houses", form
our present homes and timber from the many
ruined roofs makes useful fuel for night
fires. Of course all houses here are brick
with tiled roofs. Timber & iron houses are 

unheard of.
"Comforts" are becoming an important item
in the daily routine and at present they are
being ably looked after by the Y.M.C.A. (Australian
Branch). Cocoa is gratis to working parties at
all hours of the night and day.
An extra issue of blankets, socks & shirts
has been approved and is now being carried
into effect and pay is issued regularly
giving the men every chance of buying luxuries,
from our Bde Canteen which is another distinct
blessing until recently looked after by
Chaplain - Captain Cope.
We have been sorry to lose him. His twelve
months is up so he had to return to England
preparatory to going home again. We have
been blessed with two remarkably far-seeing
and broad-minded Padre's since 
leaving Australia nearly two years ago.
The late Chaplain Gillison and his worthy
successor Chaplain Cope. They both helped
considerably, by their untiring energy & example,
to keep one's "spirit" alive and although we
will probably not encounter them again as
Chaplains, their "example" remains for all

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times as monuments to their efficiency
The denominational question has never once been
raised in our Brigade & all - including R.C's -
have worked amiably together.
Our new Chaplain - Captain Rolland - has not yet
arrived, but we hope he is as broad-minded as
his predecessors.
Before going to England I saw Sgt Major Ray
Hampton. He had safely ventured twice in the
Somme offensive & is still whole.
While in England I saw a number of old friends
who are employed at A.I.F. Headquarters. I also
had dinner with Mrs Harris sister of Mrs Dare
both of whom I met in London.
I have received several letters from new friends
in Scotland where I have every intention of
returning at the first possible opportunity. There
is something doing before I return home.
I have been as jovial as ever since my return
and nothing can dampen my spirits. I think
everybody with two years service should get
a week in "Blighty" it would set them up
for a long time to come. A good laugh
at the Theatres & congenial company does a 

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lot of good
I am enclosing a few extra views of 
places passed through during our wanderings
in France. Also return half of leave ticket and
another souvenir
Love from
Stewart
P.S. Did you receive my "mentioned in dispatches"
card signed by our Divisional Chief.

Plain envelope - see original document.

Gallipoli Cove
Turkey
Bauchope Hill
5-9-15
Dear All
Still alive and going well.
The actions for further possession of Gallipoli
continue at different parts of the line.
We have had our say and nearly finished
ourselves off in the attempt but some of us
still remain. Of the officers Major Dare
(in command). Capt Giles, Capt Richardson
are the only remaining original officers
and the latter two were away for nearly
two months since 25^th April
Of the promotions Lieut Stanley (once RSM)
Lieut Hansen Lieut McDonald
2/Lieut McQueen, 2/Lieut Hastain xxxx
remain after our trying times of
last month. Our veteran Quarter-Master
Major Young also survives.
This is the sum total of our officers
now remaining on the Peninsula.
We have now been relieved from the
fighting portion of the line and
are occupying a defensive portion
nearer the centre. Our gains are
good to think about but our losses
are somewhat severe. 

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Enclosed please find local press news which
must on no account be published. In fact
most of my news would be severely censored
if published and trouble would eventuate.
Our remaining men (195) are "Trojans"
and although nearly finished (physically)
they plod along and are continually
improving any position which we occupy:
The British Territorials and Kitchener's Army
can not hold a candle either physically 
or for fighting qualities to the Colonials
and their officers know it well.
We are continually detaching small
parties from our numbers to attach
to some English units to assist and
instruct in overcoming Turkish peculiarities.
These men, when returned,
are invariably accompanied with orders
of appreciation for valuable services
rendered. However this inexperience
of the Tommies will eventually be 
overcome and they will probably
sail merrily into Johnny Turk and 
finish the job.
I am Acting Adjutant while Capt
Cooper is away (wounded)
Received a letter from Len L addressed     
Egypt but hear they are on the way

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and if possible will try and look
him up before they get into the fun.
He will be wise to retain his job as
Coy Quarter Master Sergeant.
You will understand, from the tone
of my letter, the absolute necessity for
sending as many men as possible, to
push on the advantages gained by
hard fighting. Up to the present we
gain some objective and instead of
being able to push on, we have to sit 
tight, repel re-organised counter- attacks
by the Turks and when we are ready
to push on again, our enemy is
somewhat prepared for us, consequently -
our casualty lists.
We are all pleased to hear of such high
recruiting results in Victoria and that
illustration "Will they never come"? is 
brought home to us forcibly after every
engagement which thins our already
thinned ranks. 
The men must be physically fit and
good teeth are essential. You can
rest assured that our tucker is not
home made. Except when in bivouac       
we are unable to cook anything. I 
am convinced that my health has only
been maintained thro' having teeth